Law allowing timely insulin injection approved

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a measure into law that allows diabetics to inject insulin where and when they need to.

Sponsoring Sen. Mattie Hunter – a Chicago Democrat and member of the Illinois Diabetes Caucus – said people with diabetes could risk being charged with indecent exposure because they needed to quickly inject insulin into certain parts of their bodies.

Hunter said, “When someone needs an insulin shot, they do not have time to find the nearest restroom sometimes.” She said the law will end embarrassment, make it easier for people dealing with a difficult disease and save lives.

Hunter said she has worked to protect funding for diabetes research. Last year, her idea for a “diabetes awareness” license plate became law.